13 VIP Guests Get the Inside Scoop: A Behind the Scenes Look at Ben & Jerry’s

July 5, 2017

VIP food bloggers

What Is The Inside Scoop Experience, Anyway?

We invited 13 VIP food bloggers to visit Vermont earlier this summer for an all-inclusive experience ranging from copious amounts of ice cream (think more than you can eat!) to exploring Burlington, Vermont’s food scene and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Green Mountain State. It’ no secret that we’re known for our creamy, dreamy, chunk-and-swirl-laden ice cream.. But we have always been focused on making the world a better place, too.. And what better way to come together to discuss some of the more important social issues than over a scoop (or three) of ice cream?

So, how does one become lucky enough to indulge in such a once-in-a-lifetime experience? By embracing the “peace, love and ice cream” philosophy and being one heck of an ice cream aficionado!

 

It’s All About the Peace, Love & Ice Cream

As part of the two-day euphoric experience, the VIP’ers took their culinary skills to the Ben & Jerry’s research kitchen. Here, the crew separated into four groups where they were challenged to create an over-the-top, indulgent Ben & Jerry’s creation featuring one (or more!) of Ben & Jerry’s newest flavors. The VIP’ers had hands-on coaching from the team of Flavor Gurus, full range of the research kitchen and access to top-notch ingredients to craft their creations.

With everything from sky-high shakes to over-the-top ice cream sandwiches, the VIP’ers put their best Flavor Guru skills to work in concocting recipes that anybody (even you!) can make at home. Want to see what they came up with? Stay tuned for their recipes, coming up soon in celebration of National Ice Cream Month!

VIP food bloggers

Deconstructed Pint-Inspired Dinner

On a warm, bright and ideal Vermont evening, the 13 guests travelled north of Burlington, Vermont to South Hero, where the crew took over a beautiful lakeside oasis nestled on one of Lake Champlain’s islands. Here is where the guests had a chance to relax and take in the picturesque lake views, mingle among Ben & Jerry’s employees, and even chat with the man himself, Ben & Jerry’s cofounder Ben Cohen, who was a surprise guest.

Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Guru Eric Fredette was also on hand, with years and years of experience as a culinary chef. To amp up the foodie experience, Eric curated a deconstructed pint dinner for the VIP’ers. Using the flavor profiles from Ben & Jerry’s newest flavors — Oat of this Swirled, Urban Bourbon and Truffle Kerfuffle — Eric put together nothing short of a mouth-watering three-course meal, collaborating with local Cloud 9 Caterers to make the magic come to life. With Urban Bourbon-inspired burnt caramel flavoring roasted potatoes, to Oat of this Swirled’s warm and comforting oatmeal flavors translated into a delectable oat milk fried rice, guests dined on a dinner fit for any Ben & Jerry’s fanatic.

VIP food bloggers

What We Ate

 

Hors D’oeuvres

Seared Diver Scallops

Caramelized Fig, Saba

 

Candied Almonds

Bayley Hazen Blue Cheese,

Smoked Maple Syrup

 

Candied Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato

Skewer, Tarragon Aioli

 

Smoked Trout Gougeres

Smoked Trout Mousse

 

VIP food bloggers

 

Salad

Arugula Salad

Radishes, Spring Peas, Fennel,

Toasted Pecans, Lemon Vinaigrette

 

Family-Style Meal

Almond Crusted Halibut

Citrus Brown Butter, Pea Shoots

 

Dark Cocoa Crusted Rib Eye

Carmel New Potatoes,

Creamed Ramps

 

Chapa Oat Milk Fried Rice

5-Spice, Lentil Sprouts,

Seasonal Vegetables

 

Salted Dark Chocolate Mole Short Ribs

Cinnamon Oat Tortilla, Limed

Cured Onions, Greens

 

Stay tuned later this month for the over-the-top ice cream recipes developed by our VIP guests during their visit!